You depend on your car for many things and when it breaks down, you need to get it repaired fast, effectively and at a reasonable price. You can only get this done by taking your car to a reliable auto repair shop. So the first and probably the most difficult process is to identify the right auto shop.

You can't afford to take your car to just any other auto shop. Check to see if the auto repair shop has any disciplinary action taken against them in the recent past. Verify their licensing information as well and make sure they are registered with the respective bodies. Visit the auto repair shop to check whether they are organized and offer great customer service. The shop should also have modern equipment as well as clearly laid out policies on the cost of labor, guarantees and payment methods.

When you visit your auto repair shop, make sure you describe the issue fully to the experts. Remember that you know your car better than anyone else. Some of the common signs of auto repair issues include unusual sounds or odors emanating from the car's interior. If the car has issues with braking or handling then consider taking it to the auto shop immediately. In case you've noticed a low engine performance or the car is using too much fuel, take it for expert assessment immediately.

Be very detailed when explaining the issue to a car repair expert. Some problems can be easily diagnosed whereas others require the expert to perform an assessment in order to determine the underlying issue.

When taking your car for repairs, make sure they provide you with a written estimate. All the information regarding the auto repairs to be done should be included in this estimate. This means that the method of repair, the costs of items used and any substitute parts that will be required should be stated in the written estimate. The auto shop has no right to change the method of repair or parts earlier agreed upon without your consent.

There are cases when the car repair expert will discover that the estimated cost is likely going to be lower than the cost of actual repairs. In this case, someone from the auto repair shop should contact you and give you this information even before the repairs begin.

Sometimes the auto shop may have to take a while before they can come up with a reasonable estimate for the repairs your car needs. For instance, if the extent of car damage is severe or your automobile is having serious problems like transmission failure, the auto repair expert will need more time to come up with an estimate of their service.

Once the repairs are done, the auto shop is likely to send you an invoice. Make sure this invoice consists of the labor costs, all work that was performed together with the parts that were replaced during repairs. You can even request the auto repair shop to return any old parts removed from your car.